Topical Encyclopedia Monotheism, the belief in the existence of one God, is a central tenet of the Judeo-Christian tradition and is foundational to the theology of the Bible. This concept distinguishes the faith of Israel and Christianity from the polytheistic religions of the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament is replete with affirmations of monotheism. The Shema, a central declaration of Jewish faith, encapsulates this belief: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This verse not only asserts the oneness of God but also calls for exclusive devotion to Him. The Ten Commandments further reinforce monotheism, beginning with the command, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). This commandment establishes the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and prohibits the worship of other deities. The prophets also emphasize monotheism, often contrasting the living God with the idols of surrounding nations. Isaiah declares, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me" (Isaiah 45:5). This assertion underscores the uniqueness and sovereignty of God over all creation. New Testament Continuation The New Testament continues the monotheistic tradition, affirming the belief in one God while also revealing the mystery of the Trinity. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, reaffirms the Shema: "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One'" (Mark 12:29). This statement highlights the continuity of monotheistic belief from the Old Testament to the New. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, states, "Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist" (1 Corinthians 8:6). Paul acknowledges the existence of so-called gods but affirms the reality of only one true God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ. Theological Implications Monotheism in the Bible is not merely a philosophical assertion but has profound theological and ethical implications. It demands exclusive worship and loyalty to God, as seen in the first commandment. It also provides the basis for understanding God's nature as sovereign, eternal, and unchanging. Furthermore, biblical monotheism is relational, emphasizing a covenant relationship between God and His people. This relationship is characterized by love, obedience, and faithfulness, as God reveals Himself as both transcendent and immanent. Challenges and Affirmations Throughout history, the monotheistic faith of the Bible has faced challenges from both within and outside the religious community. The temptation to syncretize with polytheistic practices was a recurring issue for Israel, as seen in the prophetic rebukes against idolatry. In the early church, the doctrine of the Trinity was articulated to affirm monotheism while recognizing the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Nicene Creed, for example, confesses belief in "one God, the Father Almighty," while also affirming the deity of the Son and the Spirit. In summary, monotheism is a defining characteristic of biblical faith, shaping the worship, theology, and ethical life of believers. It is a doctrine that calls for exclusive devotion to the one true God, who is revealed in the Scriptures as the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all. Topical Bible Verses 1 Corinthians 8:6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Topicalbible.org Isaiah 43:10 Deuteronomy 4:35 James 2:19 Ephesians 4:6 Isaiah 44:6 Library Testimony of Orpheus to Monotheism. Judaism and Heathenism in Contact. The Literature Introduction God. Naaman's Imperfect Faith The Education of the World. Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his ... Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures. The Christian View of the Old Testament Resources Who is the one true God? | GotQuestions.orgWith all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the LORD is one (Deuteronomy 6:4)? | GotQuestions.org One: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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